Chapter 69 Court Divisions and Undercurrents
Another winter has arrived, and the snow in Chang'an came earlier and more heavily than usual. The white snow covered the palaces and pavilions, but it could not conceal the increasingly obvious cracks in the court.
In the months since Li Tai returned from his inspection tour, the situation in the court has undergone subtle yet profound changes. What was originally an undercurrent of fraternal rivalry has now surfaced, forming two clearly defined camps.
The Crown Prince's faction: Centered around veteran officials such as Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui, plus officials from the Eastern Palace and descendants of many veteran ministers who had followed Li Shimin in conquering the empire. These individuals mostly held important positions, had deep roots, and were the backbone of the court. They supported Li Chengqian not only because he was the eldest son and the rightful crown prince, but also because years of interaction between the emperor and his ministers had built trust.
The Prince of Wei's faction consisted mainly of a group of middle-aged and young officials and newly emerging local forces. This included local officials whom Li Tai had met during his inspection tours, scholars and literati he had befriended through the Literary Academy, and some courtiers dissatisfied with the status quo who hoped to change their positions through "meritorious service in supporting the emperor." Most of these individuals were talented and ambitious, but lacked seniority and found it difficult to rise within the existing power structure. They were optimistic about Li Tai's potential and Li Shimin's favor towards him, believing that betting on the Prince of Wei might yield greater rewards.
The struggle between the two factions gradually evolved from covert competition to open confrontation.
The first conflict erupted over the appointment of a position in the Ministry of Works. A vacancy arose in the Water Management Department of the Ministry of Works. The Crown Prince's faction recommended Zhang Yu, an official from the Eastern Palace, who was an expert in water conservancy and had participated in many large-scale projects. The Prince of Wei's faction, on the other hand, recommended Liu Jing, an official from Shandong whom Li Tai had met during his inspection tour. Liu Jing had experience in water management in the region and had a close relationship with the Prince of Wei.
During the court meeting, both sides held their own views and argued endlessly.
“Zhang Yu has followed His Highness the Crown Prince for many years and has participated in the management of the Wei River and water conservancy in Hebei. He is experienced and a suitable candidate.” The Minister of Works was a member of the Crown Prince’s faction and naturally supported Zhang Yu.
“Liu Jing has made meritorious contributions to flood control in Shandong and is familiar with the local conditions. Moreover, His Highness Prince Wei witnessed his abilities firsthand during his inspection tour. This letter of recommendation is here.” An imperial censor who was on good terms with Prince Wei stepped forward and presented Li Tai’s handwritten letter of recommendation.
Li Shimin looked at the two sides, his brows furrowing slightly. He naturally understood the factional struggle behind it, but both men were indeed qualified. In the end, he adopted a compromise: "The Water Conservancy Department bears great responsibility and needs people familiar with practical matters. Zhang Yu and Liu Jing each have their strengths, and they can be transferred to the Ministry of Works at the same time. Zhang Yu will serve as the Director of the Water Conservancy Department, and Liu Jing will serve as the Assistant Director, jointly in charge of water conservancy affairs."
This was a fair split, but neither side was satisfied. The Crown Prince's faction felt that Liu Jing was a man of the King of Wei and that placing him in the Waterways Department was a potential threat; the King of Wei's faction felt that Zhang Yu occupied the main position while Liu Jing could only be his deputy, which was unfair.
Similar incidents occurred one after another in the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of War. The competition for a position, the implementation of a policy, and even the evaluation of an assessment could become a battleground for the two factions.
What's more troublesome is that this struggle has begun to affect practice.
The promotion of agricultural improvements in Henan encountered resistance because local officials belonged to two factions and hindered each other; the construction of cement roads in Shanxi was slow because the supervisors sent by the Ministry of Works were at odds with local officials; even the compilation of medical classics by the Imperial Medical Academy was affected - several medical officials from the Prince of Wei's faction advocated adding more "academic" content, while medical officials from the Crown Prince's faction emphasized "practicality", and the debate continued.
As the actual driving force behind many matters, Wang Yi was the first to feel the pressure.
The meetings she chaired often turned into debates between the two factions; her suggestions were frequently questioned by one side; and she herself became a target for both sides to either win her over or attack her.
The Crown Prince's faction regarded her as "one of their own" because she cooperated closely with the Crown Prince and helped him on many occasions; the Wei King's faction, on the one hand, tried to win her over, and on the other hand, they were suspicious of her because she did not express her stance clearly.
Princess Wang of Wei began visiting Qixia Garden more frequently. Each time, she would "casually" mention that a certain official in the court greatly admired the Master, that a certain scholar wanted to consult the Master, or that a certain local official asked her to convey his regards to the Master... Her words were all meant to demonstrate the strength and sincerity of the Wei King's faction.
When Wu Zetian came to Qixia Garden, she would angrily recount how the officials of the Eastern Palace were being harassed by the Prince of Wei's faction, how the policies promoted by the Crown Prince were being obstructed, and even how the internal affairs of the Eastern Palace were beginning to be affected. Zheng Liangdi's brother was in an awkward position in the court because he had dealings with the Prince of Wei's mansion; Lu Liangdi's father was alienated by the Crown Prince's faction because he praised the Prince of Wei at a poetry gathering.
"Right now, everyone in the Eastern Palace is in a state of panic," Wu Meiniang said worriedly. "Some people are starting to waver, feeling that His Highness the Crown Prince's position is unstable; others are too radical, wanting to confront the Prince of Wei's faction head-on. I am truly worried that if this continues, things will get out of hand."
Wang Yi comforted her, saying, "It is precisely at times like these that you must remain calm. As the Crown Prince's concubine, you must keep the inner palace in order and not lose your composure."
"I understand," Wu Meiniang nodded. "But Your Excellency, the infighting in the court has already affected practical matters. Agricultural improvements, water conservancy projects, road construction... all these things that benefit the country and its people are being hindered because of factional struggles. If this continues, it will be the Tang Dynasty and its people that suffer."
These words struck a chord with Wang Yi. This was precisely what she worried about most—that political infighting would affect national development and the improvement of people's livelihoods.
She must find a way, at least within her area of responsibility, to reduce this impact.
After careful consideration, Wang Yi made a series of arrangements:
First, she clearly defined principles and focused on the facts. In all the meetings and projects she chaired, she explicitly demanded that "only practical matters be discussed, not factional ones." Whether it was a member of the Crown Prince's faction or the Prince of Wei's faction, she adopted suggestions that were conducive to the advancement of practical matters; she rejected any suggestions that hindered practical matters for the sake of factional interests.
Second, she established cross-factional working groups. For example, in promoting agricultural improvement, she deliberately included officials from both the princeling faction and the Wei Wang faction in the same working group, requiring them to jointly develop plans and solve problems. Initially, there were naturally many conflicts, but when she exerted pressure on them by citing concerns about "delaying the planting season and affecting the harvest," both sides had no choice but to cooperate.
Third, she sought Li Shimin's support. She regularly reported to Li Shimin on the progress and difficulties encountered in various practical matters, especially emphasizing the impact of factional struggles on practical affairs. Although Li Shimin was troubled by the infighting between his two sons, he was never ambiguous about matters of state. He issued several decrees requiring all departments to "prioritize national affairs and not neglect public duties for private reasons."
These measures had some effect, but they could not eradicate the problem. Factional strife had already formed, like vines entwining the great tree of the court, making it difficult to completely remove.
What troubled Wang Yi even more was that a secret power struggle had begun between Wu Meiniang and Princess Wang of Wei.
When the two met in the palace, they were outwardly courteous, but the subtle wit in their words and the rivalry in their eyes were obvious to anyone with discerning eyes.
During a snow-viewing banquet in the palace, Lady Wang said to Wu Meiniang with "concern," "Consort Wu has been working hard lately and looks a bit haggard. The affairs of the Eastern Palace are complicated, and you also have to take care of the little grandson. It must be really hard work. Unlike our Prince Wei's mansion, where the sisters help each other out, it's much easier for us."
These words, seemingly out of concern, actually imply discord within the Eastern Palace, leaving Wu Meiniang unable to hold the line alone.
Wu Meiniang smiled and replied, "What Princess Wei says is true. However, it is my duty to share the burden for His Highness the Crown Prince. As for Princess Wei, His Highness the Crown Prince must be very busy with affairs of state after returning from his inspection tour. He also has to frequently visit the palace to pay his respects, which must be quite demanding."
This statement both demonstrates loyalty and subtly implies that Lady Wang's frequent visits to the palace were motivated by ulterior motives.
The two exchanged barbs, their words sharp and witty, and although neither was impolite, the atmosphere had become tense.
Wang Yi watched from the sidelines, sighing inwardly. Both women were intelligent; if they could work together, they could surely achieve great things. Unfortunately, they belonged to different camps and were destined to be rivals.
After the banquet, Lady Wang came to bid farewell to Wang Yi and casually mentioned, "Master, I heard that the Crown Prince is currently selecting a teacher for the young prince? Your Highness Prince Wei knows several learned scholars; if needed, you may recommend them."
Wu Meiniang happened to be present as well, and upon hearing this, she immediately said, "Thank you for your kindness, Princess Consort Wei. However, His Highness the Crown Prince has already chosen a tutor for the young prince, recommended by the Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince, whose scholarship and character are both first-rate."
Madam Wang smiled and said, "That's good. Early education is the most important thing for children. If a teacher is chosen well, they will be able to become successful in the future."
This statement sounds reasonable, but the phrase "only in the future can one become a useful person" subtly implies that Li Xiang is linked to the future throne.
Wu Meiniang's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure: "What the Princess Consort of Wei said is true. However, I only wish that the little prince is safe and healthy, and that he can contribute to the Tang Dynasty in the future. I dare not have too many extravagant hopes."
When this conversation reached Li Chengqian's ears, he was furious: "The Wei Prince's mansion is getting too and too big for its britches; they even interfere when my son hires a tutor!"
Wang Yi advised, "Your Highness, please calm down. Princess Wei was just mentioning it casually; she may not have really meant it. However, this also reminds us that every move the Crown Prince makes is being watched. Your Highness must be even more careful with your words and actions, lest you give anyone cause for criticism."
Li Chengqian took a deep breath: "I understand. It's just that this is hard to swallow."
“Your Highness, a small act of impatience can ruin a great plan,” Wang Yi said solemnly. “Now that the two factions in the court are fighting, what His Majesty least wants to see is discord among brothers and instability in the court. As the Crown Prince, Your Highness should prioritize the overall situation and demonstrate the demeanor of a heir apparent.”
These words calmed Li Chengqian down: "The Master is right. I was too hasty."
However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.
In the twelfth lunar month, a small incident ignited a larger conflict.
A young censor from the Wei Prince's faction submitted a memorial impeaching an official in the Eastern Palace for "embezzling public funds and abusing his power." The evidence was conclusive; the official was indeed guilty. However, the Crown Prince's faction believed that this was a pretext used by the Wei Prince's faction to attack the Eastern Palace.
The two sides engaged in a heated debate in the imperial court, and Li Shimin ultimately ordered a thorough investigation. The investigation revealed that the official was indeed guilty and was dismissed and punished. However, the Crown Prince's faction believed the punishment was too severe, while the Prince of Wei's faction thought it was too lenient.
This incident acted as a fuse, igniting long-suppressed conflicts. The struggle between the two factions in the court moved from the shadows to the open, extending from political affairs to personnel matters, and even beginning to affect the inner palace.
Empress Zhangsun was deeply worried about this, and her condition became somewhat unstable. Li Shimin was also increasingly troubled and repeatedly summoned the two factions of important ministers to talk, asking them to "put the affairs of the state first and work together with one heart and one mind."
However, the effect is limited. Once a faction is formed, it has its own interests and logic, which cannot be resolved with just a few words.
Wang Yi watched all this with a heavy heart. She knew that if this struggle continued to escalate, it might truly shake the foundations of the nation.
She must find a way, at least within her sphere of influence, to minimize disruption and maintain stability.
The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year. As is customary, a banquet is held in the palace, where members of the royal family, important officials of the court, and their families gather.
At the banquet, Wang Yi noticed a detail: officials from the Crown Prince's faction and the Prince of Wei's faction, along with their families, naturally sat on opposite sides, as if there were an invisible boundary between them. Even when toasting and conversing, it was mostly between members of the same faction, and they rarely crossed that line.
Li Shimin, sitting in the main seat, watched this scene with a hint of weariness and helplessness in his eyes.
Midway through the banquet, Li Shimin suddenly rose, raised his cup, and said, "Today is the Little New Year, a day for family reunion and celebration. I have something to say, which I hope you will all remember: The Tang Dynasty belongs to the Li family, and it also belongs to you all. In the court, there may be different opinions, but there must be no sectarianism; there may be political disputes, but there must be no factional struggles. I hope you will all prioritize the affairs of the state, work together, and create a peaceful and prosperous era."
These words were spoken with great earnestness, and everyone present stood up and responded in unison.
But Wang Yi could see clearly that many people did not truly agree with him.
After the banquet, Wang Yi walked alone on the way back to Qixia Garden. Snowflakes began to fall again, landing on her shoulders and melting quickly.
She thought of her three daughters in modern times, and their innocent smiles. In that era, they didn't have to face such court intrigues, nor be drawn into such a power vortex.
Here, in this era to which she has poured her heart and soul, she faces an increasingly complex situation.
"Perhaps I should consider going back," Wang Yi murmured to himself.
It wasn't an escape; she needed time to think and space to plan. Besides, she missed her daughters.
But she also knew that now was not the time to leave. The court was in turmoil, Empress Zhangsun's condition was unstable, and Li Chengqian was under immense pressure... If she left now, the situation might spiral out of control.
"Wait a little longer," Wang Yi said to himself. "At least wait until after the New Year, until the court situation stabilizes a bit."
She took a deep breath of the cold air and continued walking forward.
The snow fell heavier and heavier, slowly covering her footprints. Just like the power struggles in the imperial court, which were outwardly masked by the emperor's authority and the festive celebrations, the underlying problems remained and could erupt again at any moment.
And she must be prepared for anything that might happen.
The game has reached its most complex stage, where every move is crucial to the overall outcome. And she cannot afford to make any wrong move.
For the Tang Dynasty, for the people she cared about, and for... those women whose destinies began to change with her help.
The night was deep, and the lights of Qixia Garden looked especially warm in the snowy night. Wang Yi pushed open the door and went inside.
Tomorrow will be another day. But the challenges will never cease.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com